title: A simple microfluidic gradient generator with a soft-lithographically prototyped, high-aspect-ratio, ~2 µm wide microchannel.
abstract: We have developed a cast microfluidic chip that contains a thin (~2 µm wide) microchannel that is smoothly connected to thick microfluidics. The thin line features having high aspect ratio for a low-cost photolithography in which an emulsion photomask was used (1:1 ~ 1:3) were fabricated by exposing SU-8 photoresist to diffused 185 nm UV light emitted by a low-cost ozone lamp from the backside of the substrate to ensure sufficient crosslinking of small regions of the SU-8 photoresist. An H-shaped microfluidic configuration was used, in which the thin channel maintained constant diffusion fronts beyond purely static diffusion. We also demonstrated the long-term effects of a gradient of nerve growth factor on axon elongation by primary neurons cultured in the micro channel.
authors.forename: Tomohisa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ogawa
authors.forename: Nirai
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Matsunaga
authors.forename: Saori
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Inomata
authors.forename: Masato
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Nobuyuki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Futai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004058:Diffusion; D004867:Equipment Design; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors